Federal wildlife officials respond to a petition to list dozens of species under the Endangered Species Act

June 30, 2015

In response to a 2012 petition claiming 53 reptiles and amphibians require federal protection under the Endangered Species Act, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) today published a batch of 90-day findings affecting 15 species of frogs, salamanders, snakes, skinks and crayfish found in the Southeast. Five petitioned species will not be given further consideration for federal protection at this time, and 10 species have triggered a deeper scientific review.

A 90-day finding is the Service’s first step in assessing whether the plants and/or animals identified in a petition may require federal protection. A “substantial” finding triggers a closer look at the species’ status, also known as a 12-month finding. A “not substantial” 90-day finding marks the final decision point for a species, indicating that the actions requested in a petition were not substantiated by the petitioner.

Service biologists found the petition, submitted by the Center for Biological Diversity, failed to provide substantial information indicating that the petitioned action was warranted for the following species. They will therefore not be given further consideration for federal protection at this time:

Blue Ridge gray-cheeked salamander in North Carolina

Caddo Mountain salamander in Arkansas

Pigeon Mountain salamander in Georgia

Weller’s salamander in North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia

Wingtail crayfish in Florida.

“The Service bases decisions on the best available science at the time of the petition while ensuring transparency throughout the decision-making process,” said Cindy Dohner, Southeast Regional Director. “For those petitions that will move on to a more in-depth review, that process will include the opportunity for significant input from states, partners, stakeholders, and the public.”

Substantial findings were published for 10 species. The Service will seek to collect additional information for a more thorough review of the following animals:

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. For more information on our work and the people who can make it happen, visit fws.gov. Connect with the Service on Facebook, follow our tweets, watch the YouTube Channel and download photos from Flickr.